My Papers: Part three, Family

 Introduction

For this next paper, we were assigned an Informative paper. Actually, It was more like a descriptive paper. They gave us two options with prompts. The first option was Image Analysis. You were supposed to take an image of a advertisement and describe all portions of it to find the meanings in it. I didn't want to work that hard, so I chose the other option. The other option was an extended definition. We were to take one of the prompt words and define it in your words and how it is described in the dictionary and compare and contrast it. I chose the word family and used the Bible to define my meaning of family. Enjoy!

Charis Johnson

June 18, 2020

English Composition I

Family

When the word family is mentioned, most people may think of moms, dads, and children. The dictionary’s top definition of family is “the basic unit in society traditionally consisting of two parents rearing their children”[3], which is easily understood. Families can represent a company through association of similar ideals. Inclusion is a gift that a family can provide when you are lonely and need somebody who understands. When a family is mentioned in the Bible, it is spoken of as a group of people with similar beliefs.  Even though the roles of each family member differ in responsibility, when they perform their specific responsibilities, the family unit works efficiently. When family roles are misunderstood and misused, then the unit and foundation of the family become unstable. Families have the jobs of bringing people together and supporting each other. 

Parents are the most vital part of a family. They have to work together to prepare their children for the world, love and respect each other, and protect their family. Though some families don’t have the benefit of housing two parents, most seem to get by. In a traditional society, mothers stay at home to take care of the children. But besides having the job of bearing children, mothers also partner with the father to help raise their offspring. She also, according to the Bible, has the job of respecting and loving her husband and children. Fathers oftentimes hold the position of the provider. They are the backbone of the family and according to the Bible, “the head of the house”[AMP, ]. They make sure their family is functioning correctly and efficently. Both the mother and father have the responsibility of disciplining and raising the children to make sure they grow up to be respectable citizens of the world. 

Children are a gift and a joy. With their large imagination and unfailing faith in the parents, they give parents a breath of fresh air. Children are the pride of their parents, oftentimes spitting images of the father and mother combined. Children depend on the family unit for stability, advice, and protection. They are the starting of a new generation. The children’s role in the family is to learn and grow in the teaching of their parents as described in Proverbs 23:22 which says, “Listen to your Father who gave you life and do not despise your mother when she is old”[5]. Because children are born not knowing right from wrong, they are to be taught and trained by their parents in order for them to understand their actions. It is clearly explained in Proverbs 22:6, “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”[1].In Exodus 20:12, it speaks that children are to honor their parents. Because parents have more experience than their offspring, it is logical that the children should heed their parent’s advice. Even though children may not get along at times, their opposition to each other teaches them how to treat other people. Sometimes, when a sibling feels alone, that’s when a sister or brother comes in handy. When trials come, the siblings will benefit from leaning on each other as in Proverbs 17:17 where it says “...a brother is born for a time of adversity.”. Parents try to make sure that they are fully taken care of and fully prepared to take on the world’s challenges. Because they are vulnerable, they have to be protected by their family.

The roles of the immediate family are many. Most times, relatives serve as an ally; somebody you can lean on if a disaster happens; other times, they are great friends and encouragement. To some, they are considered a pain, a roadblock, and a discouragement. Though there might be enmity between family members, in 1 Timothy 5:8, it says that “if anyone does not provide for his relatives...”, as immediate family or otherwise, “...he has denied the faith.”[4]. It is their role to help out and be an encouragement when times get tough. For some, the immediate family, such as cousins, might’ve been the first friends they had as young children. Being with immediate family can be like a home away from home. Many good memories, for most, are made at a relative’s house. The support received from a relative can be a breath of fresh air.

A family is a group of people with overlapping ideas and similar beliefs, though traditionally it is referred to it as the definition or two parents and their children. Because “two are better than one”[Eccl 4:6], a family is one of the best places to be. Being included is where most want to be, so joining a family provides stability. The role of the family is to support each other in their own individual roles, which may differ from family to family. To some people, being with family can be a safe place to be in times of trouble. To others, it may be a dangerous place to be. Though each family member has a different role, when all of them work together, there is harmony and stability.

1. What is the significance of your essay? Why should readers care about what you have written? Family is something most people can relate to, so most will understand the roles of family members. I chose the word “family” to describe because I felt more connected to it. I had more information and association with it. I am a part of three different families, so I just wanted to show the importance of family. 

2. Which areas of your draft do you think will benefit most from revision? I had some problems with organization and focus, so I had to change some of my topic sentences and explanations to line up. I also had a problem with having enough words. I had to brainstorm more to find ideas. I had to realize how important brainstorming is in the writing process. 

3. Consider the strengths and weaknesses of your writing. How can you capitalize on your strengths and improve your weaknesses in future essays? I have a bad time with planning and brainstorming, so next time, I’ll use my resources more effectively. Sometimes, I have problems with putting thoughts on paper. I am good at motivating myself to finish by using goals and checklists, especially if there is a timeline. I have enough peer reviewers, so I’ll take advantage of that more often.

Schumann, Natalie. “20 Loving Bible Verses About Family.” Country Living, Country Living, 8 Apr. 2020, www.countryliving.com/life/g31984772/bible-verses-about-family/

“100 Bible Verses about The Man Being The Head Of The House.” Edited by Stephen Smith, What Does the Bible Say About The Man Being The Head Of The House?, OpenBible.info, 11 June 2020, 

“Family.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/family. Accessed 12 Jun. 2020.

“100 Bible Verses about Role Of The Family.” Edited by Stephen Smith, What Does the Bible Say About Role Of The Family?, OpenBible.info, www.openbible.info/topics/role_of_the_family.